The Lower School at Sevenoaks LS_book_single_pages | Page 14

Lower School pupils study a wide array of
subjects, each taught by a subject specialist
who will teach the older pupils too. These
teachers use a syllabus devised by their own
departments, where the emphasis is just as
much on stimulating an interest in the subject
as it is on instilling a knowledge of it; as, in
our experience, enthusiasm and curiosity
are the best tools pupils have to motivate
their learning.
Teachers strive to teach pupils just as much
how as what to learn. We want our pupils to
learn how to study and work effectively on
their own, but also how to contribute as part of
a group, to listen in lessons, but also to speak
and present in them too. We want them to
be adept with book, paper and pen, but also
confident in the technologies of tablet, cloud
and smartphone.
In these first years at the school, grades and
major assessments are few and far between,
and there are no end-of-year exams. We want
pupils to fulfil their own individual potential,
and not judge themselves against their peers:
we believe it leads to happiness in the long
run for pupils to be able to evaluate their
performance honestly according to their own
abilities irrespective of anyone else’s. We find
that when pupils enjoy their learning in these
first two years, that enjoyment continues to
motivate them as they move through to the
Middle School and Sixth Form.
“ Learning in school is always fun, but
when you have fun teachers as well the
whole experience is a lot lighter. I never
feel pressurised and they always give
you enthusiasm to do your best. All my
teachers are so helpful and I am given the
individual guidance needed to make sure
I understand the topic thoroughly.”

Isabella, Year 8
12
the lower SCHOOL | AT SEVENOAKS